Senior Planner

The job holder will be responsible for merchandise planning process to achieve department /category sales, margin, stockholding and flow objectives under the guidance of (Senior) Manager-Merchandise Planning/ Head Merchandise Planning. Merchandise Financial, Strategic and Assortment Planning �� Maximise Sales and profitability for the department/category�� Support in determining high-level financial goals including pre-season financial plans, in-season projections, open-to-buy management and new store budgets �� Prepare and maintain department/category merchandise MIS analytics based on actual sales, sales forecasts, company order parameters, inventory checks, forth coming events, replenishment needs etc �� Assist in the creation of merchandise plans for the category based on insights gained from merchandise analytics, customer preference, historical trends and future outlook projected by the buyer�� Assist in discussing, deciding and freezing the department/category merchandise strategic plans around the following factors o Financials �� Sales,Stock, OTB, Margins, Forward Cover etco Store �� Subgroub level Sales, Order Quantity, Allocation, Replenishment etco Assortment �� Style, Price, Brand, Supplier etc �� Communicate the merchandise strategic plan to buying team for necessary execution�� Ensure effective in season management across territories (stock balancing, markdown management, stock analysis, stock vs sales performance)�� Help review the merchandise plans on a periodic basis to ensure profit is maximized and maintained to reach target levels�� Ensure that the standards of Merchandise procedures and Methodologies are maintained and kept Uniform Inventory Stock Optimization �� Ensure optimum category inventory levels are maintained at Concept/Territory keeping in mind store requirements as well as working capital constraints.�� Ensure that no instances of category stock outs occur on account of any discrepancy on part of merchandise planning.Ensure excess category inventory is not maintained at the warehouses or the stores and there is proper adherence to the concept/territory ageing policy.Category Promotions �� Provide inputs on the expected margins, possible price points and other parameters for promotions within the product category�� Help analyze the effectiveness of the promotions in achieving the targeted levels of sales and marginsHelp analyze the existing stock levels and liaise with the Buying/VM/Marketing team for timely roll out of promotional campaigns to maintain the territory / warehouse inventory holding norms as well to achieve targeted sales.In season Management �� Ensure performance is monitored against plan for the assigned category/department, regularly supported by exception reporting�� Ensure effective in season management of the assigned category/department through regular analysis and action planning across concept and territory, based on the performance around the following anchors o Sales vs. Stocko Inflows/OTB o Stock analysis o Stock balancing o Margin analysis Additional Responsibilities �� Be seen as a go to person on the department and an inspiration for others.�� Support and coach new team members and provide on the Job training�� Deputise for the Merchandise Planning Manager as required�� Work closely with buyers for department ensure that they feel supported�� Take an active role outside of the department championing merchandising projects��To develop their career and understanding the benefit of moving departments and the need for change